Parts of Ohio alerted to potential for flooding

Published: February 20, 2014 3:10 AM

CLEVELAND (AP) -- The northern half of Ohio could see the potential for flooding as melting snow and combines with rain.

The Cleveland office of the National Weather Service says the shrinking snow will release a significant amount of water as warmer temperatures move into the state Thursday. Forecasters say any heavy rain could produce flooding, with some river flooding likely.

A flood watch will be in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Areas under the watch include Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh), Geauga (jee-AW'-guh), Lucas and Ottawa counties.

A watch means there is a potential for flooding based on current forecasts.

Meteorologist Andy Latto (LAHT'-toh) at the weather service's Wilmington office says no flood watches were issued for southern Ohio. But there could be some heavy rain with a chance of flooding.